DETROIT: Ford Motor Co. has ousted one of its top executives over allegations of inappropriate behavior.
North America President Raj Nair is leaving the company effective immediately, Ford said in a statement. His replacement has not yet been named.
Ford didn’t say what behavior led to Nair’s departure. Ford investigated after a recent anonymous complaint about Nair was made to the company’s 24-hour hotline.
“We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett. “Ford is deeply committed to providing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.”
Nair expressed regret in a statement distributed by Ford.
“There have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the company and I have always espoused,” Nair said.
Nair had served as an executive vice president and head of North America since June 1, 2017. Before that, he was Ford’s head of global product development and chief technical officer.
Nair joined Ford in 1987 as a mechanical engineer. He held numerous leadership positions in Europe, Asia and South America. Prior to being named head of global product development, Nair oversaw engineering for all Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Ford kicks out top executive over ‘inappropriate behavior’
Ford kicks out top executive over ‘inappropriate behavior’
Socialist defeats far-right candidate in Portugal’s presidential runoff, exit polls show
- The presidency is a largely ceremonial role in Portugal but wields some key powers such as veto legislation
LISBON: Moderate Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro appeared to be headed for a landslide victory in Portugal’s presidential runoff on Sunday, with two exit polls putting him in the 67 percent-73 percent range, well ahead of his far-right, anti-establishment rival Andre Ventura.
The exit polls conducted for television channels RTP, SIC and TVI/CNN placed Ventura at 27 percent-33 percent, still a better result than the 22.8 percent his anti-immigration Chega party achieved in last year’s general election.
Last year, Chega became the second-largest parliamentary force, overtaking the Socialists and landing behind the center-right ruling alliance, which garnered 31.2 percent.
Despite his loss on Sunday, 43-year-old Ventura, a charismatic former TV sports commentator, can now boast increased support, reflecting the growing influence of the far right in Portugal and much of Europe.
The presidency is a largely ceremonial role in Portugal but wields some key powers, including in some circumstances to dissolve parliament, to call a snap parliamentary election, and to veto legislation.
